Homeland Security Chief Grilled Over ICE Shootings, Funding Impasse

Kristi Noem faces bipartisan criticism in Senate Judiciary Committee hearing

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem endured sharp questioning from senators over the January deaths of two Minneapolis residents during a federal immigration operation, as well as concerns about a partial DHS funding shutdown and the administration's immigration enforcement tactics.

Why it matters

The hearing highlighted growing bipartisan scrutiny of Noem's leadership at DHS, with lawmakers from both parties criticizing the agency's handling of the Minneapolis shootings and its broader enforcement priorities. The funding impasse also threatens to disrupt key DHS functions like disaster response and airport security.

The details

Much of the session focused on the January deaths of Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both U.S. citizens, who were shot during a large-scale immigration enforcement surge known as Operation Metro Surge. Noem initially labeled Pretti's actions 'the definition of domestic terrorism,' drawing fierce criticism. Sen. Dick Durbin pressed her to retract the claim, but she declined to apologize. Two Republican senators also delivered pointed criticism, with Sen. Thom Tillis blasting Noem's leadership as a 'disaster' and Sen. John Kennedy questioning a $200 million ad campaign warning migrants against unlawful entry.

  • The hearing took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • The Minneapolis shootings occurred in January 2026.

The players

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of Homeland Security, appointed by President Donald Trump.

Dick Durbin

A Democratic senator from Illinois and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Thom Tillis

A Republican senator from North Carolina who is retiring, and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

John Kennedy

A Republican senator from Louisiana and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Renee Good

A Minneapolis resident who was shot and killed during the federal immigration operation.

Alex Pretti

A Minneapolis resident who was shot and killed during the federal immigration operation.

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What they’re saying

“You and your agency rushed to brand these victims as, quote, domestic terrorists.”

— Dick Durbin, Senator

“Quality matters, not quantity.”

— Thom Tillis, Senator

“There are no plans to have ICE officers at our polling locations.”

— Kristi Noem

What’s next

Noem is scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.

The takeaway

The hearing highlighted the growing bipartisan scrutiny of Noem's leadership at DHS, with lawmakers from both parties criticizing the agency's handling of the Minneapolis shootings and its broader immigration enforcement tactics. The funding impasse also threatens to disrupt key DHS functions, underscoring the political tensions surrounding the administration's immigration policies.